Reed’s Biggest Fear Heading ‘Down Under’ For A First Time – Sharks!

Presidents Cup ‘wildcard’ pick Patrick Reed has admitted his biggest fear heading to Australia for a very first time in his career – Sharks!

Reed was afforded a wildcard pick by USA  Presidents Team Captain, Tiger Woods and with the announcement made at 3am local time Friday here in Turkey where the 2017 Masters Champion is contesting the Turkish Airlines Open.

Woods, and as was expected, picked himself as the first playing USA Presidents Cup captain since Hale Irwin in 1994, while the 15-time Major winner also picked reigning US Open champion, Gary Woodland and big-hitting Tony Finau

And after bounding back from what the Texan said was a disappointing Turkish opening of 71, Reed jumped 25 places to end his round around 3pm local time with a six-under par 65 to move to eight-under par on the Montgomerie Maxx course.

“I was in my hotel room here in Turkey and he (Tiger) was nice enough to advise me of my selection well before going to bed as it was 3.00am in the morning over here when he made the official announcement in the States,” said Reed.

“So, I was able to find out rather than the middle of the night.

“It was awesome. Biggest thing is to go out and win points and play the best I can for the team and Captain and go out and bring home the Cup.”

The seven-times PGA Tour winner, including capturing teh 2018 Masters, has in recent years become a member also of the European Tour and that has entailed extra travelling for the Texan including last week in Shanghai, this week in Turkey and then onto Dubai in a fortnight.

Of course, Reed how come to know well the Australians competing on the PGA Tour but then this journalist asked him in being asked about Australia what came to his mind first.

“Sharks!,” Reed said.

“No, one of my first coaches was a fellow named Peter Murphy and he was from Australia, so I have learned a lot about Australia from him including the golf courses and Australia in general.  I know there is a lot of firm and fast golf courses that are links-type.

“The thing that I love about is that everyone I have met that is from Australia has been unbelievable to me.  They’ve been very respectful whether it’s been on or off the golf course.

“For me, I am just really excited and can’t wait to get down there to Melbourne.  I am definitely going to stay out of the ocean.  I don’t like the ocean as it is and that’s why I don’t like sharks, definitley not.

“It seemed like shark week is always present in Australia but then the only thing I want to see attacking when I get to Melbourne is the USA Team attaching the golf course at Royal Melbourne, and the good thing now with the overnight announcement is that I have one of the best players ever to have played the game, to help me figure it out.”

Cheekily, I then asked Patrick that of all the very nice Australians he has met does it include this Sydney-born golf journalist.

“Oh, definitely yes.  You’re included,” Reed said smiling.

 

 

 



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